Hey, I’m one of the new owls, class of 2023. I was wondering what the procedure was to place out of introductory classes at Rice, assuming I have no AP credit. Are there tests that I can take to go straight into the more advanced classes, or do I need to sit through the introductory classes?
Scroll down to Placement Information here: https://oaa.rice.edu/freshmen
Placement tests are mandatory for foreign language. For everything else, your own discretion and/or consultation with the department, rather than a formal placement test, is likely to be the recommended tool for determining placement.
Thanks!
Introductory courses can be a good thing, most high schools don’t offer college level curriculum and by skipping foundation courses without mastering them you may set up yourself for hardship or even failure. Don’t over do it.
@ifonlyrice just something to think about, from what I understand testing out doesn’t give you credit. My daughter is a freshman and tested out of the 100s/200s for Spanish and is doing great, however she didn’t realize some of the opportunities that are missed because of it. The first is the opportunity for a trip to South America for students in those early classes as well as the chance to have it as a minor. From her understanding, at this moment she won’t have enough hours for it even if she takes every Spanish course they offer due to testing out of those classes. (If this is incorrect, please someone correct me.)
My daughter also placed out of the lower level Spanish classes. She started with a 300 level class as a freshman which she enjoyed. She got AP credit for some Spanish classes she took in high school, but no credit for placing out of the lower levels. She wanted to go to Spain for the Rice in Country study abroad but had already passed the level that would be taught in the course. There are some Latin American studies classes in other departments that might also count for a Spanish minor or double major. Your daughter should go to the Office of Academic Advising, and they can tell her for sure if a minor/double major is possible. The OAA will also help the student create a 4 year plan which is very useful.
Thanks for your responses. The reason that I’ve been asking about this is because the major I’m looking at (MechE) has only introductory chemistry as a graduation requirement. I don’t care as much for the credit hours, I’m only looking for graduation requirements to be satisfied, because I’d like to clear up some time for courses outside of my major.
Congratulations on your acceptance to Rice. You will have a chance to meet with Faculty and Peer Academic Advisors during O Week who will help you decide the best classes to take to achieve your goals. Rice requires students to fulfill distribution requirements in areas outside of their major. https://ga.rice.edu/undergraduate-students/academic-policies-procedures/graduation-requirements/